The siblings of Rob Reiner, the late Hollywood director, have reportedly halted financial support for their brother Nick, who faces charges for allegedly killing their parents in Los Angeles.
Romy, 28, and Jake, 34, were seen out in Los Angeles on Monday and have decided to stop funding their brother’s private attorney, according to a report from TMZ.
After the police discovered the bodies of Rob and his wife, Michelle, in mid-December, the siblings initially brought on well-known criminal defense attorney Alan Jackson.
However, Jackson withdrew from the case shortly after, citing unrevealed disagreements.
A public defender was appointed to Nick’s case last month, though many believe this is only a temporary fix until a new private lawyer takes over.
On Monday, acting public defender Kimberly Green represented Nick, who has entered a not guilty plea to first-degree murder charges.
A source mentioned to TMZ, “Nick’s defense is Nick’s defense. They’re not involved,” referring to Jake and Romy’s lack of participation in the trial.
The public defender’s office did not comment when reached out for information. Attempts to contact representatives for the Reiner brothers were unsuccessful.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hockman informed the media following Monday’s arraignment that he hasn’t ruled out the death penalty should Nick be convicted, which is notable given Rob Reiner’s strong opposition to capital punishment.
Nick, 32, was arrested on December 14 after police found the bodies during a “death investigation” at the family’s home in Brentwood.
His next court date is set for April 29, where a preliminary hearing will be scheduled.
Nick has previously talked about his battles with substance abuse and a turbulent period that included addiction and homelessness before the tragic events occurred.
He co-wrote the 2015 film Being Charlie with his father, which was widely seen as reflecting his own experiences with recovery.
Sources also suggest Nick has previously received mental health treatment and was under a court-approved conservatorship in 2020, though this was later lifted. Specifics about his mental health status or medication have not been disclosed in court documents related to his case.
